Housing

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 402: Local land bank authorities; shorten tax sale redemption period; restrictions on geographic scope; creation of multijurisdictional land banks by agreement; Governor's emergency authorization to create land bank

HB 402 would streamline Alabama's land bank system by shortening the redemption period for tax-delinquent properties to one year, allowing local land banks to acquire such properties more quickly through public auctions. The bill restricts the geographic areas where land banks can operate, eliminates the public notice requirement for selling land, and grants tax exemptions to properties owned by land banks. It also enables multiple counties to form joint land banks through agreements, permits land banks to transfer properties for flood management, and requires a portion of future property taxes on sold land to be returned to the land bank for five years. Additionally, the Governor would gain authority to create a land bank by executive order during emergencies.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStreamlines land bank acquisition of tax-delinquent properties, enabling faster development of affordable housing units through tax exemptions and reduced redemption periods.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 401: Relating to Alabama Housing Trust Fund; mortgage recording fee increase

HB 401 increases the mortgage recording fee in Alabama from $0.30 to $0.45 for every $100 of loan amount on mortgages, deeds of trust, and similar instruments. This fee change directly affects borrowers, lenders, and title companies when recording property-related financial instruments. The bill redirects the additional revenue to the Alabama Housing Trust Fund, which supports affordable housing programs. The change modifies existing fee structures without altering the fundamental process of mortgage recording.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases mortgage recording fee to fund Alabama Housing Trust Fund, directly supporting affordable housing programs through redirected tax revenue.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRedirects increased mortgage recording fees to Alabama Housing Trust Fund, directly funding affordable housing programs per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Mortgages

Track

signed · Alabama · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 404: Class 1 municipalities; authorization to establish community land trusts, affordable housing

HB 404 authorizes Class 1 municipalities in Alabama to create nonprofit community land trusts that provide affordable housing to low-income and moderate-income families through long-term 99-year ground leases. The trusts must lease land (not sell it) to qualifying families earning 80% or less of the area median income (low-income) or up to 120% (moderate-income), as defined by HUD. Key provisions require trusts to be membership-based with public meetings, have a diverse board appointed by the mayor and city council, and include resale rules to maintain affordability. This bill directly affects eligible families seeking stable housing and municipalities seeking new affordable housing tools, with no tax implications for the trusts’ properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes community land trusts for affordable housing targeting 80-120% AMI, directly advancing housing access for low/moderate-income families through long-term leases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Tags Urban Areas

in committee · Alabama · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 204: Local land bank authorities; shorten tax sale redemption period; restrictions on geographic scope; creation of multijurisdictional land banks by agreement; Governor's emergency authorization to create land bank

SB 204 would change how Alabama's local land banks handle properties with unpaid taxes. It shortens the redemption period for tax-delinquent properties to one year (allowing land banks to obtain deeds after this period), removes the requirement for public notice before selling land, and exempts land bank properties from local property taxes. The bill also allows multiple counties to create shared land banks through agreements, gives local governments authority to transfer properties for flood management, and permits the Governor to create land banks during emergencies. These changes primarily affect local land banks, county governments, and property owners facing tax sales.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesExempts land bank properties from local property taxes, reducing government revenue and weakening tax collection for local budgets.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingShortens redemption period for tax-delinquent properties and removes public notice requirements, enabling land banks to more quickly acquire and redevelop properties, advancing housing development.85% confidence

Track

signed · Alabama · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 313: Blount County; senior property tax exemption, authorized; constitutional amendment

HB 313 is a proposed constitutional amendment for Blount County, Alabama, that would allow residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must have owned and lived in a single-family home as their main residence for at least five years prior to claiming the exemption, which would freeze the property's assessed value as of October 1, 2026. The exemption requires written application to the county revenue commissioner between October 1 and December 31, 2027, and does not affect homestead exemptions or millage rate changes. This amendment must be approved by voters in a future election to become part of Alabama's constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for seniors 65+, reducing tax burden on fixed-income residents per bill's tax relief intent.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides tax exemption for seniors, reducing housing costs and promoting affordability for vulnerable residents by freezing assessed value.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

in committee · Alabama · House Jan 29, 2026

HB 349: Etowah County local constitutional amendment; Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act created; boundaries defined; certain activities permitted or prohibited within protected area; exemptions

HB 349 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act in Etowah County, Alabama. It defines the boundaries of the Whorton Bend Community area (a peninsula along the Coosa River) and prohibits new commercial, industrial, or high-density residential development that would interfere with agriculture or environmental protections. The bill allows existing agricultural operations, farm-related businesses (like equipment storage or produce stands), and pre-existing commercial structures to continue operating, while banning new multifamily housing, apartment complexes, and projects that alter wetlands or riverbanks. This directly affects landowners and developers within the defined area by restricting future development to preserve the region's farming and environmental character.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits new development interfering with environmental protections in Whorton Bend Community area along Coosa River.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingProhibits new high-density residential development to protect agriculture, restricting housing development in Whorton Bend area.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

Track

signed · Alabama · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 315: Authorize the governing body of a Class 1 municipality to enact and enforce vacant property registration ordinances.

HB 315 authorizes Alabama's Class 1 municipalities (like Birmingham) to require property owners to register vacant residential or commercial buildings within 30 days of vacancy or ownership change. Owners must pay an initial registration fee and annual supplemental fees, while municipalities must establish a database and enforce maintenance standards to address blight, safety risks, and public costs associated with vacant properties. The bill aims to help cities identify vacant properties, reduce neighborhood deterioration, and offset expenses like inspections and nuisance abatement. This legislation is currently pending in the House Committee on Jefferson County Legislation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes municipal registration fees and annual supplemental fees for vacant properties, creating new local revenue to fund blight mitigation and enforcement programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill addresses blight from vacant properties by requiring registration/fees and enforcing maintenance, directly targeting housing quality and public costs related to housing stability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Community Development

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 130: Taxation and Revenue; Homestead ad valorum taxes of certain veterans prohibited from inclusion in debt-to-income ratio under certain circumstances

This bill requires Alabama tax officials to issue a "tentative certificate" to disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating who provide proof of their rating, a home purchase agreement, and an affidavit confirming the property will be their primary residence. It prohibits lenders and settlement agents from including homestead property taxes in these veterans' debt-to-income ratio calculations when processing mortgage applications. The certificate allows eligible veterans - who already qualify for homestead tax exemptions under existing law (Sections 40-9-19/21) - to avoid having their property tax burden counted toward loan eligibility. This change directly affects disabled veterans with 100% VA disability ratings seeking home loans in Alabama.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for disabled veterans by excluding homestead taxes from debt-to-income calculations, reducing mortgage barriers for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExcludes homestead taxes from debt-to-income ratios for disabled veterans, easing mortgage access and supporting homeownership for a vulnerable group.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill prevents lenders from including veterans' homestead taxes in mortgage DTI calculations, easing home ownership access for disabled veterans with 100% VA rating.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Mortgages Property Taxes Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

signed · Alabama · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 308: Mobile County; senior property tax exemption, authorized; constitutional amendment

HB 308 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Mobile County residents aged 65 or older to claim a property tax exemption on their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must own a single-family, owner-occupied home used as their principal residence for at least five years before claiming the exemption. The exemption freezes the property’s assessed value from the year prior to claiming (effective October 1, 2027), while requiring annual renewal through the Mobile County Revenue Commissioner by December 31 each year. This change would directly affect Mobile County seniors meeting the age and residency criteria, but requires voter approval to become part of Alabama’s constitution.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for seniors, reducing county tax revenue and offering tax relief to lower-income seniors through frozen assessed value.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides property tax exemption for seniors (65+) on primary residences, freezing assessed value to reduce housing costs and prevent displacement, directly increasing affordability for this group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Homeownership Property Taxes

signed · Alabama · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 77: Taxation and Revenue; disabled veterans' homestead taxes inclusion in debt-to-income ratio under certain circumstances prohibited

HB 77 helps disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating by streamlining their access to property tax exemptions when applying for home mortgages. The bill requires tax officials to issue a "tentative certificate" of disability exemption upon receiving basic documentation (like VA disability proof and purchase agreements) within 20 days. It also prohibits lenders from including homestead property taxes in a veteran’s debt-to-income ratio calculation when processing their mortgage application. This directly affects veterans seeking home loans who qualify for Alabama’s homestead tax exemption. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for disabled veterans by excluding homestead taxes from mortgage debt calculations, easing financial burden for qualifying individuals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits lenders from counting homestead taxes in debt-to-income ratio for disabled veterans, easing mortgage qualification and homeownership access for a vulnerable group.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransStreamlines property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, preventing lenders from including taxes in debt-to-income calculations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Mortgages Property Taxes Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing